Jaguar

Jaguar are a heavy metal band from Bristol, England, formed in December 1979 and active again from 1999. They are associated with the NWOBHM movement and are listed as an 80s UK heavy metal band. The group’s early lineup consists of Garry Pepperd on guitar, Jeff Cox on bass and vocals, and Chris Lovell on drums. In April after formation, Rob Reiss joins as vocalist and frontman.

Early releases and line-up changes

Jaguar build a local reputation in Bristol and record two demos, with the later one leading to a contract with Heavy Metal Records. In 1981 they release Back Street Woman, a NWOBHM cult single that sells over 400,000 copies. A dispute with the label follows and the agreement ends. Reiss then leaves the band and Paul Merrell replaces him.

In 1982 Jaguar play strongly at a Dutch rock festival, which earns them a new deal with Neat Records. The single Axe Crazy sells reasonably well. After touring, the debut album Power Games appears in early 1983.

Albums and stylistic change

The second album, This Time, follows in 1984 and marks a shift towards dance music influences. Chris Lovell dislikes the change and is replaced by Gary Davies. The move away from their earlier sound loses much of their core audience. The band releases Horrible Truth in 1985, but activity fades and they split by the end of that year.

Reformation

Interest in NWOBHM in Europe and Japan, along with a reissue of Power Games in those territories, leads to a reformation in 1999. This version of Jaguar includes Garry Pepperd, Jeff Cox, Nathan Cox on drums, and vocalist Jamie Marten.